The greatest season of all
Fall is here! And if you’re anything like me, as soon as that first day of the season arrived your Halloween costume and plans were confirmed, you pulled out all your favorite scarves and sweaters, lit your fireplace, and started spending way too much money on pumpkin spice lattes. Yes, Fall is my favorite season. For so many reasons. The crisp air, vibrant colors, tastes and smells, dressing up for Halloween, and sharing gratitude and warm food with loved ones on Thanksgiving. During the months of September through November, especially in the PNW, I am in my happy place.
But what I love the most about Fall isn’t anything tangible. What truly makes the season so remarkable is what it represents. The entire season is a symbol of transition and change. Transitions are essential for success, well-being, and survival. Without change there is no progress or growth. Everything in life changes. One of the key laws of the universe is that we either evolve or disintegrate. There is no stasis – spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, or physically.
So, one day as I was ruminating on my love for Fall, I came across this wonderful blog by Earth Monk. The author clearly shares the same sentiments as I do about this beautiful season. And, they offer some pretty powerful insights about the life lessons we can learn from Fall, and how to apply those lessons to the transitions and changes within our lives. The information is summarized below, but feel free to visit to blog link above!
Top 4 life lessons that Fall teaches us
Letting go
Autumn reminds us of the importance of letting go. It shows us that within the cycle of life there comes a time to let go and release those things that no longer serve us. All too often we cling to the past, hold our wounds tightly, and get fixed and locked down with certain habits or mindsets. All of these ultimately cause us more suffering. Life is happier and easier when we can flow, surrender and let go. To help yourself “let go,” ask yourself the following questions:
- What no longer serves me?
- What can I stop carrying?
- What is it time to let go of?
- What burdens can I release?
Embrace the change
Autumn reminds us of the impermanence of life. It reminds us that change is inevitable! You’d think we’d get the hang of dealing with change, yet it brings with it such fear that we can go to extraordinary lengths to avoid it. Autumn shows us that nature achieves this transition effortlessly. After all, just like the falling leaves you have to let go in order to move forward, grow and heal. Some questions to consider that will help you embrace change:
- What change is taking place in my life?
- Is there anything that I should be changing and might be avoiding?
- What do I need to do and what action will help me?
The metaphor for healing
The four seasons are great metaphors on the process of pain and healing. When life throws us into chaos we tumble into the change and transition of Autumn. When we are wounded and hurt we retreat and hunker down in the darkness of Winter. Then, just like Spring, we slowly start to re-emerge before the time comes when we finally lift our heads in the sunshine and laughter of Summer. Wherever you are in this cycle try to surrender and flow with it. Ask yourself:
- Where am I in this process?
- What action do I need to take to support myself at this time?
Delight in the detail
Use this stunning season as a reminder to live more mindfully. To take a slower and more mindful pace to life and to notice the detail. Pay attention to the colors of the sky, the falling leaves, the sound of frost beneath your feet. The birds whose songs still chirrup bright and clear. Wherever you live, try to make it a habit to notice the changes taking place in the natural world around you.
I highly recommend scheduling a self-care day sometime soon and re-visiting these questions. After all, what better way to embrace this season than a little self-reflection on a rainy day, curled up by a fireplace, while sipping on a warm drink – maybe a pumpkin spice latte?
Written by Destiny Van Rooy
Destiny is our Client Experience Coordinator. She has extensive experience with much of our behind-the-scenes legal work and knowledge of the criminal case process. Her background helps our business and client service continue to grow simultaneously, by making sure that the human element of the legal experience is not lost on the good people we represent. Destiny moved to the Northwest from Arizona, promising to never look back. She’s fully embraced her new life in Oregon and loves riding her bike around Portland. She also loves meeting new people, dancing, crafting and catching live music shows with her husband, London.
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